Miss USA

Established in 1952, this American beauty pageant serves as the exclusive national competition to select the United States representative for the Miss Universe organization. The brand has navigated decades of ownership changes, starting under Universal Pictures before moving through Donald Trump's tenure in 1996 and a 2015 acquisition by WME/IMG. A major shift occurred in late 2022 when JKN Global Group, led by Thom Brodeur, purchased the rights to modernize the franchise.

The current titleholder is Justus Kelley from Virginia, who won the 75th annual pageant on August 27, 2026, at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami. Her victory stands out as historic because she became the first married woman and mother to hold the crown, signaling a permanent rule change that opened the competition to women with families. This milestone redefined eligibility standards that previously restricted contestants based on marital status or parental duties.

Operating out of Los Angeles, the organization functions as both a media brand and a service platform offering state-level competitions, educational initiatives, and charitable partnerships. Revenue flows from sponsorship deals, broadcast rights, and merchandise licensing, though exact financial figures remain private. The brand maintains active social media presences on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to engage fans and promote its evolving identity focused on diversity and female empowerment. [edit]